I. ˈplej noun
Etymology: Middle English plegge security, from Anglo-French plege, from Late Latin plebium, from * plebere to pledge, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German pflegan to take care of — more at plight
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a bailment of a chattel as security for a debt or other obligation without involving transfer of title
b. : the chattel so delivered
c. : the contract incidental to such a bailment
2.
a. : the state of being held as a security or guaranty
b. : something given as security for the performance of an act
3. : a token, sign, or earnest of something else
4. : a gage of battle
5. : toast 3
6.
a. : a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear
b.
(1) : a promise to join a fraternity, sorority, or secret society
(2) : a person who has so promised
II. transitive verb
( pledged ; pledg·ing )
Date: 15th century
1. : to make a pledge of ; especially : pawn
2. : to drink to the health of
3. : to bind by a pledge
4. : to promise the performance of by a pledge
• pledg·er ˈple-jər or pled·gor ˈple-jər, ple-ˈjȯr noun